The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) in Michoacán said that Mexico produced 3 out of every 10 tons of avocados in the world, and was the number one exporter of this fruit worldwide. Mexico exports 1,316,104 tons per year, i.e. 4.4 times more than Indonesia, which ranks second and exports 294,200 tons per year.
According to the SAGARPA, Michoacán produces 85.9% of total avocado exports the country exports to different nations. Mexico's per capita consumption of this fruit amounts to 7 kilos per year.
Since 2013, Mexico has maintained a surplus in the avocado's trade balance, with an average income of 1,270 million dollars per year.
Thanks to Michoacán, Mexico has 30.9% of the world production of this fruit; followed by Indonesia, which accounts for 6.7% of world exports.
Recently, Japan has increased its demand for Mexican avocados. Japan is Mexico's second biggest market, in volume, after the United States, which acquires 80% of Mexican avocado exports.
Currently, Australia, Argentina and Latvia are emerging as potential destinations for Mexican avocados. According to information provided by the delegation of SAGARPA, avocado cultivation is suitable in areas with an altitude that ranges between 1,600 and 2,200 meters above sea level; 1050-1150 mm of rainfall and an ambient temperature of 15-19 degrees Celsius, and most importantly, that has deep and permeable soils without lime or chloride and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Michoacán produces 8 out of every 10 tons in Mexico, consolidating it as the leading producer of avocados in the country. The states that follow it in greater production are: the state of Mexico, Jalisco, Nayarit and Morelos; which together with Michoacán generate 95% of the national production.
It's worth noting that the avocados are available throughout the whole year; however, 49.1% of the annual domestic production is obtained between March and July.
Source: Quadratin